An offer on Facebook promises a free transport card in Reims, but requires your banking information. A typical scam.
A tempting but misleading offer is circulating on Facebook. This so-called bargain offers a free public transport card for the city of Reims valid for 6 months. But be careful, it comes with a condition: entering banking information on a site.
Despite the red flags that we know, such as creating a page on April Fools’ Day and the use of generic images, or even redirection to an unknown or even suspicious site, users have bitten the hook.
An offer too good to be true, suspicious comments
The Facebook page “ Public transport map in Reims » (of which we will not provide you with the link to preserve your security and that of your personal data) was created on 1er April, a choice of date which should have aroused suspicion. It displays a single sponsored publication, visible at an unusual time, promising a “Grand R” card like the original for free travel for 6 months. This offer comes after a recent increase in transport prices, which could further encourage Reims users. However, the mentioned increase is several months old, and the offer itself is riddled with typos and formatting errors, raising doubts about its credibility.
Laudatory comments were quickly put forward under the publication of the offer, but they came from profiles with suspicious behavior. One profile claims to have received and verified the card, but clues, such as identical profile photos posted simultaneously, suggest it is a fake account. Other comments, published at similar times, praise the offer or claim to benefit from it, which should tip off a big scam.
Contacted shortly after the publication of this suspicious page, Grand Reims Mobilités confirmed an hour later that it was fraudulent content usurping its identity. According to him, the site offers a free card, but requires payment later. This information was disseminated to the public on social networks to raise awareness, late in the morning this Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
The urgency of the offer and the entry of bank details, the red flags of a typical case of phishing
The Facebook page in question is not affiliated with Grand Reims Mobilités, the official transport organization of Reims. This should have been the first clue for users to verify the authenticity of the offer. Additionally, the urgency created by the “last day to apply” announcement is a common tactic in online scams, aimed at rushing decisions without allowing time for reflection or verification.
But what should have caught the attention of the unfortunate victims is the link provided which leads to a form asking for personal information and banking details. Although the link does not appear malicious according to URL checkers, the process is clearly designed to deceive users. Comments on Facebook reveal that some have already provided their information, illustrating how easily scammers can exploit people’s trust on social media.
We can never advise you enough on Clubic, if you encounter fraudulent content online, the National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties (CNIL) suggests that you report it on the Pharos platform. Moreover, Google also offers a similar tool. It is advisable not to click on fraudulent links, but simply to copy and paste them for reporting.
Source : Franceinfo
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